It’s a common expression: “Don’t shoot the messenger.” It’s not even really an unusual way to begin a commentary.
The cost of living has risen, people that were above the ‘gap’ family income line now teeter regularly with some months above and some months below. If you are a regular reader of this column, you know that we define a gap family as a household with four or more mouths to feed and they have a household income level of approximately $45,000 annually.
Our county has numerous pockets of gap families. One result of higher living costs is that the demographic makeup of those who are in need has changed. Add to that the change in our nation’s immigration policy and we are experiencing a turn in those we serve.
In addition to 80 pantries in service, Feeding Team, in conjunction with Gleaners, offers two drive-through food distributions monthly. The second Saturday morning and fourth Tuesday afternoon of each month, families can pick up over a week’s worth of groceries. These events include our volunteers serving alongside area Lion’s club members.
In addition, every other Thursday the Feeding Team office is open in the morning from 10 a.m. to noon for families to pick up groceries. A large volume of food is given away every week.
While the free-standing pantry use remains high, drive-through and in-office pickups have slowed. A year ago, it wasn’t unusual to feed 200 families at a drive-through event. In recent months that number has dropped to 150. In-office food pickup events draw fewer families with less than 10 asking for help at these bi-weekly events. While we don’t get information from people requesting food, we do notice that a large percentage of people are Hamilton County neighbors. Fewer indigent and homeless neighbors stop by to pick up groceries.
Many of the folks who get help look just like you and they look just like me. Many of these families are new faces, worried about feeding their hungry kids, unsure about what to do. The face of hunger in Hamilton County is not what many people think.
Lastly, we’ve seen a noticeable decline in the non-English speaking population requesting food.
What’s my point? From the front lines of fighting hunger in our area towns and cities, life is changing in real time. We see increases in gap families looking to get through a tough time. The numbers are changing as the economy ebbs and flows. People who have never experienced food insecurity are searching for a solution.
Many find Feeding Team through our social media and through word of mouth. But many don’t know that these resources are available. If you find your family in need, please contact us, find a pantry at FeedingTeam.org, and follow us on social media to learn about upcoming food distribution events.
Please share our message with those that are in need too. We rely on neighbors helping neighbors to connect with those who are in need. Thank you.
About FeedingTeam.org
More than 44,000 people in Hamilton County struggle with food needs. FeedingTeam.org is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers outdoor, no-questions-asked food pantries that are open 24/7, all year long. These pantries help families who may not qualify for other programs but still need a few meals to get by.
We are so thankful for all the volunteers, hosts, donors, and sponsors who help us every day. We love serving our neighbors and seeing how your generosity changes lives. Hunger doesn’t always look the way people think it does, and every meal makes a big difference.
A simple can of food can mean everything to a parent who has nothing left to feed their kids. A few meals can change someone’s life.
If you’d like to help, there are many volunteer opportunities. We are also looking for new spots for future pantries. If you know a good location, please contact us.
Mark and Lisa Hall are the Founders of Feeding Team. They may be reached at lisa@feedingteam.org and mark@feedingteam.org or by calling (317) 832-1123.
Be the first to comment on "Feeding Team: a port in a storm"